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From War to Music: How did the Young People's Concerts survive the storm in the 1940s?
Young People's Concerts is the world's oldest family classical music concert series. Since its establishment in 1924, it has been committed to guiding young people to access and appreciate music. Experiencing the alternation between war and peace, this concert demonstrates the ability to transform and adapt at different historical stages, making music a weapon to withstand difficult circumstances.
Early Concerts and Conception
As early as 1898, the New York Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of conductor Frank Damrosch, began to hold concerts for young audiences, showing the initial concept of music education. At the beginning of the 20th century, music education gradually became more important, and Damrosch's mission was to spread music knowledge to young people in poor areas. From this, the Young People's Concerts gradually came into being and developed to meet the growing public demand.
Creating a concert exclusively for young people
In 1924, the Young People's Concerts were officially established by conductor "Uncle" Ernest Schelling and the Concerts Education Committee, with the goal of inspiring children's love of music. In the performance, he not only plays music, but also combines lectures and visual presentations, allowing children to experience music while also learning about composers, instruments and history.
These concerts attracted the participation of countless children and their families, and became shared memories for music lovers of all ages.
Challenges and Reshaping during World War II
After entering the 1940s, with the outbreak of World War II, many cultural activities were disrupted. The Young People's Concerts were suspended during 1942 and did not resume until 1947. Concerts at this time need to face tremendous changes in the cultural and social environment. Especially for children, music has become a spiritual comfort.
Bernstein's Contributions and Influence
In 1958, Bernstein became the music director of the New York Philharmonic and injected new vitality into the Young People's Concerts. The 53 concerts he hosted not only caused a sensation among American audiences, but also brought these concerts to the world through CBS television. Bernstein hopes to arouse young people's enthusiasm for music and explain the meaning of music in a new way.
His first televised concert, What is the Meaning of Music? ” marked a new era in concerts and attracted huge audiences.
Contemporary innovations and themes
Today's Young People's Concert is not just a performance of classical music, but also combines hot topics in modern society to explore topics such as climate change, immigration and social justice. Concerts continue to attract the attention of young audiences by keeping up with the times and have richer forms of expression, such as video projection, stage plays and community collaboration.
Continuation and innovation of educational projects
In order to better meet the needs of young children, the New York Philharmonic resumed the early childhood concert series in 2005, named the Very Young Concerts, which are designed for children aged 3 to 6 years old and are dedicated to promoting the development of children's life through games, Stories and chamber music performances inspire children's passion for music.
This innovative approach makes music not only an artistic enjoyment, but also an indispensable part of the growth process of all children.
From its difficult past to its current glory, Young People's Concert is a testament to the power of music and the value of education. No matter how the times change, music can always be the spiritual sustenance of young people, bringing hope and inspiration. We can’t help but wonder: In an increasingly digital world, how can we expose more young people to the beauty of music?
